News and Updates for Licensees and Industry
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Upcoming Public Meetings and Events
January 25, 2024 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting
April 25, 2024 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting
July 18, 2024 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting
October 17, 2024 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting
Online license printing now available!NEW
BAR’s new license print feature offers licensees the convenience of self-service license printing, eliminating the need to wait for the license mailed by BAR’s print vendor or request a duplicate/replacement license.
Renewal notice printing delays
Due to technical difficulties being experienced by the vendor responsible for printing and mailing BAR's license renewal notices, licensees may experience delays in receiving their renewal notices. Licensees who do not receive their courtesy renewal notice are still responsible for renewing their license before the expiration date.
For assistance, contact BAR's Licensing Program by email at BARLicensing@dca.ca.gov or by phone at (855) 735-0462.
New citation and remedial training programs for ARDs
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021), citation and remedial training programs for automotive repair dealers begin July 1, 2023. Under the new programs, an automotive repair dealer who receives a citation may file an appeal to have the citation considered by a citation review panel. Additionally, an automotive repair dealer cited for minor violations of the Automotive Repair Act such as documentation or recordkeeping errors may complete remedial training by a BAR-certified remedial training provider to prevent disclosure of the citation on BAR’s website.
For more information, and to learn about opportunities to serve as a citation review panel member or get certified as a remedial training provider, visit Citation and Remedial Training Programs.
Smog Check Program updates
BAR-OIS computer operating system update
Effective July 5, 2023, all BAR-OIS computers must run a supported Microsoft Windows operating system version. BAR-OIS computers running an unsupported operating system version on and after July 5, 2023, will not be able to perform Smog Check inspections. Windows versions 7, 8.0, and 8.1 are currently not supported by Microsoft. Windows versions 10 and 11 are supported.
Model year 2007 and newer diesel OBD readiness monitor change
Starting July 5, 2023, all OBD II readiness monitors, except the Non-Methane Hydrocarbon (NMHC) and the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) monitors, must be complete before a 2007 model-year and newer light duty diesel vehicle can pass a Smog Check inspection. The BAR-OIS automatically applies this standard and will exempt vehicles with known OBD test difficulties without requiring input from the Smog Check inspector. Learn more >
Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program
Vehicle safety systems licenses will replace brake and lamp licenses soon pursuant to AB 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021). Join our email list to receive important implementation announcements in your inbox.
Resources for members of the United States Armed Forces and their families
Application and licensure assistance options are available to members of the United States Armed Forces and their spouses or domestic partners. To learn more, visit Resources for Members of the United States Armed Forces and Their Families.
Expedited licensure process for refugees, asylees, and holders of SIVs
Refugees, asylees, and holders of special immigrant visas (SIV) may seek an expedited licensure process as required by Business and Professions Code section 135.4. Learn more
The Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting
Join the Referee team and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Positions are open at community college campuses throughout California. Learn more
BAR career opportunities are available for auto professionals
We’re hiring! BAR is seeking professionals in the automotive industry to fill program representative vacancies across the state. For information on openings and how to apply, visit Career Opportunities.
Fraud alerts for DCA licensed professionals
DCA licensed professionals may be impacted by fraudulent activity. Read fraud alerts